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quaintmetropolis 's review for:
Augustus
by John Williams
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Gaius Octavius (later named Augustus Caesar) is only 19 years-old when his uncle and adoptive father, Julius Caesar, is assassinated. With the help of his fellow young comrades, he must outmaneuver the treacherous political landscape of Ancient Rome and claim his title as the first Roman emperor. William’s chronicles the young emperor’s ascent to power through to his reflective, last years.
Though he is the titular character, we’re only allowed fractured accounts of Octavius. Williams’ tells this historical fiction through the epistolary form: fully through letters, journal entries, and written proclamations. The differing accounts created a cinematic experience often making me question the objective truth; mirroring the funny, impersonal way we look at historical figures today. This results in a kaleidoscopic view of what makes a man and a leader; one that is constantly at odds between duty and personal desire.
I loved all three sections for differing reasons. I enjoyed the cinematic quality of Book I where I would literally gasp at the end of chapters. Book II was a powerful reflection on how power dynamics show up for the women. How they must maneuver differently in this world compared to the brutish power-jockeying their male counterparts weaponize, how they're made the pawns and often are left in the wake of men's violence. Julia's reflections were such an emotional core of powerlessness and duty although she is the most powerful woman in Rome. Williams' decision to revive a stripped-from-the-history account was such a strong statement. And I loved the final chapter when we finally hear from Octavius as he reflects on the contrariness of man and his self-sacrifice. What stood out to me in his chapter was also how he never truly understands Julia. He sees her from the perspective of a man; treacherous and duplicitous versus as a woman who has never felt her own freedom. They are so similar in their restraints, but he's unable to understand her. Heartbreaking.
I don’t think you need to be very informed on Ancient Rome to enjoy this as I wasn’t at all. Williams’ execution is remarkably readable and created a dynamic, sweeping view of Ancient Rome. The structure and voices made me feel like an insider on the juiciest, dramatic Roman gossip.
The clever plotting, immense research, and straight-forward yet impactful prose are just a few things that made this a standout for me. Not to mention the stark themes. This has joined my tiny list of five stars and has bolstered prioritizing the rest of Williams’ small body of work sooner rather than later.